Kimberly Hall

I do. I write my novel out pen and paper before i type it. This makes it possible to add or delete sections when i type it, and makes the editing process easier.

What are the most important elements of good writing? According to you, what tools are must-haves for writers?

I enjoy complex writing styles with use of intricate or interesting words, variety of words, personification of objects otherwise inanimate, complex plot(s), developed characters with interesting traits. I do like humor if it is appropriate, and I love when the story evokes a deep response from readers. The book Under the Wire is one of my favorites. Though not of my genre, it drove a deep emotional response from me. I loved the character (who happens to be real) I loved his funny, humorous and courageous actions, and the ending was so wonderful it made me cry.

What motivates you to write?

Anything and everything. I like creating worlds and characters that are apart from this, and challenge myself to create people of psychological complexity.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Yes. All writers do. I'll have a main book and a secondary both of which i work on simultaneously. If I get stuck in the main book, I'll shift over to the secondary and go from there.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Be open minded. Be helpful, be kind. Without readers, authors have no audience, but without authors, readers have nothing to read.

What is the message in your book? What are your readers’ reactions to it?

I don't exactly have a message in particular. My novels draw on the darker themes in life. Betrayal, power struggle, greed. Though many don't like these themes, they are a part of life. Okay, I guess I do have some sort of message. In most of my novels there is a character who helps the struggling one out of their "hole." They would be Esmae for Azrael, Faelyn for Daron and Adelenn for Cethin. It is usually a female that helps a male, but it could be the other way around in life. I suppose it is how you can confide in another in even darkest of times.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned a lot during "Betrayal born of blood" (which i often shorten to Betrayal) In trying to create a book, my plots go from something small to something larger to something different. My process of writing helps this. In the beginning there was going to be a large human involvement, which shifted into none. Instead of Azrael being the bad guy in the story, which he was supposed to be, Valjaen took the spot. Though many readers think it may be Morion, or Nagheena.

What are your current / future projects?

My current project is a series entitled Trails of the Serpent. It is an occult fantasy, which does have horrific elements but not as much as Betrayal or The Name of Hell. Here I wanted to develop my writing in a different way, so it is under wraps as of now. I will release teasers when I am confident of its direction.

What book(s) / author(s) have influenced your life and writing?

Guy Gavriel Kay- The Last Light of the Sun Guy Gavriel Kay- A Song for Arbonne Clive Barker- Mr. B Gone Clive Barker- Weaveworld Brendan Foley and William Ash- Under the Wire.

Most people hate him. Some people like him. He isn't the villain, nor is he the hero. He is on a crusade of his own, revenge being that which drives him. He's surprising, yet obvious. So what went into creating him? He was the perfect predator, only living to survive. This was the main aspect of his character. But why not give him more than that trait, make him seem more human than the others? Exactly what had happened to him amongst his banishment. Azrael is one of my most interesting, yet difficult characters to date. His hate drove him on a blood feud, yet he is still loyal to the few friends he had. Though his inhuman thoughts get in the way of his more caring intentions, he means well. That may be up to interpretation, because as I said before, most people hate him, but those who do still wish him well.

As he speaks to you, crafts his story in a way which shows you his many sides and many faces, an opinion of him is formed. What are your thoughts on Azrael?